April 3, 2012. Wildwood Trail. Forest Park
I won Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band’s record ‘Against the Wind’ when I was in grade school by telling a joke on the radio. It went something like this: How is walking on ice like playing music? If you don’t see sharp, you’ll be flat. Get it? I thought it was pretty funny in 1980.
I try to avoid thinking of Seger’s running references in ‘Against the Wind’ when I’m out for fear the song will become stuck in my head and spoil my fun. But I do think of the punchline of that old joke. It’s a constant game of finding that root or that rock that’s going to turn my ankle. Quickly negotiating slick, muddy declines, I’ve wound up flat several times. I scan the trail ahead, hoping for a smooth spot clear of obstacles so I can safely throw a glance up into the trees.
April 3, 2012. Wildwood Trail. Forest Park